My sweet friend Alice who blogs at Thoughts from Alice challenged a bunch of bloggers to buy a thrift store find and transform it into Christmas decor. How could I say no? I think you’re going to be blown away by some of these projects, which you’ll find at the end of this post. We were instructed not to spend more than $25 for this project.
Can you tell by looking at my snowy project what my thrifty find was?
A cigar box! I bought several, and used the one on the lower right for my snowy scene.
I’ve seen cigar boxes at the flea market for $5 – $6, but Binny’s Beverage Depot sells them for $1.50 each.
Some of them have fancy clasps, which I like.
The first thing I did was decoupage the box inside and out with sheet music.
Handel’s Messiah to be exact. I used Mod Podge to glue the pages onto the box.
At random, I glued white glitter flakes onto the sheet music to add sparkle.
I then filled the box with Kosher salt (cuz that’s what I had on hand) to represent snow.
Normally I would use Epsom salt but I was all out.
I then sprinkled more of the glitter flakes on top of the “snow”.
I adore bottle brush trees! They’re probably my favorite Christmas decoration.
I grabbed the little snowman ornament off my Christmas tree and stuck him in the snow.
To shine a little light, I hung a tea light candle in one of my hanging glass terrariums.
I filled the glass globe with more of the kosher salt, topped off with glitter flakes.
Then I wedged a small tea light down into the faux snow.
A few glittery snowflakes provide the finishing touch.
And that’s my Christmas decor that I created from my thrifty cigar box find!
Here are the links to the rest of the thrift store Christmas transformations!
Glam Christmas Throw Pillows by Thoughts from Alice
A Deer Thrift Store Makeover by Ciburbanity
Ugly Ducklings (Thrifted Sweater Stockings) by Maison de Pax
A Deerly Beloved Thrift Store Vignette by Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Holiday Thrift Store Challenge: Deer Mount Advent Calendar by Primitive & Proper
{Vintage Cookie Tin} Cake Centerpieces by Little Farmstead
DIY Embroidery Hoop Wall Hanging: Holiday Thrift Store Challenge by Simple Stylings
DIY Christmas Decorations from Thrifted Books by T-Shirt & Jeans
Christmas Cloche by Craftberry Bush
A Vintage Mantel for Winter by Finding Silver Pennies
Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Christmas Chalkboard Globe by Heart Rocks in My Pocket
Thrifty DIY Part One: Faux Fur Throw Rug by Creating Vintage Charm
DIY Holiday Walling Hanging by House of Hipsters
Holiday Thrift Store Challenge: Modern Christmas Village by Number Fifty-Three
Christmas Decor from Thrifty Find by Town and Country Living
The Trellis Tree by Cozy Little House
Holiday Thrift Store Challenge Blog Hop by Shabby Love
DIY Centerpiece Tray by Cherished Bliss
Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired
A Merry Thriftmas Challenge: Re-purposed Holiday Tablescape by Home Remedies
Light Fixture Update – a Thrift Store Challenge by Nest of Posies
Holiday Thrift Store Challenge: Simple Christmas Decorations by Two Purple Couches
Rustic Christmas Tree by Delineate Your Dwelling
Oh Deer, It’s a Holiday Thrift Shop Challenge by My Sweet Savannah
Simple Elegant Winter Vignette | Holiday Thrift Store Challenge by Cloth and Patina
DIY Shabby Chic Picture Frame365 Days of Crafts
DIY 3D Christmas Star Wreath – Holiday Thrift Store Challenge by The Chronicles of Home
DIY Crocks by So Much Better With Age
Simple Holiday Vignette | A Thrift Store Challenge by Restoration House Interiors
Thrift Store Christmas Decor Challenge by BrocanteuseRose
I love this beautiful Christmas scene and my son would love it too! I never would have known that was a cigar box! Awesome job!
Thanks, Summer! I have tons of cigar boxes. 😉
Always love vintage music sheets for unexpected projects. Cigar boxes are near and dear to my heart, since my last name is Ashton. We have many Ashton cigar boxes around our house that were picked up in thrift shops, etc.! I use Epsom salts for snow, too. Cute idea.
xoKathleen
What a great story about collecting cigar boxes with your last name!
Oh my goodness…I just love how whimsical this all is! Thank you for joining me in the challenge Jennifer…it was an honor to have you!
Thanks for organizing everything, Alice! It was a fun project.
So sweet! x
Thanks, Danielle! Now I just need to find its permanent home for the holidays. 🙂
Wow! And um, wow! I absolutely love this. How you finessed looking beyond the surface! Amazing project!
Brenda
Thanks so much, Brenda! Loved your project too!
I’ve never used mod podge but I really thinks it’s time I buy some! These boxes are great!
What a darling idea! I love old cigar boxes – something about them always screams potential to me.
Oh my goodness, this is so sweet! I just love every single thing about it! I would have never thought to create a cute little scene in a cigar box, so clever!
Tammy
Jennifer, Oh, this is just adorable and so so creative! Who knew old cigar boxes could look so festive!
Jennifer, this is just precious! Right up my alley. I love bottle brush trees as well. Hubby has a couple of old cigar boxes. I’m going to see if he will let me have one. I also have a couple of those hanging terrariums. I thought I would do a little snow scene in them.
hugs,
Jann
Hreat idea with the bottle brush trees and cigar boxes.
OK, what rock have I been under that I never thought of the salt/ snow thing! Love it and LOVE this adorable vignette! The music pages are perfect and all the little trees are the best. xxCharlotte
Such a cute idea! I love the ornaments in the bottle brush tree and the color scheme.
Wow Jen, that’s really creative. Nice work!
Oh, I LOVE the sheet music!!! And a very clever re-use of an old cigar box! I’ll have to be on the lookout for these now 😉